1 AUGUST 1992, Page 22

Fatal flaw

Sir: Simon Heffer (Politics, 25 July) slurs British politicians when he writes that David Mellor is disliked by them for his superior ability. By general consent, it is his bumptiousness that makes the Heritage Minister so widely disliked. This is a dan- gerous flaw in a politician and can provoke extreme hatred. Clarendon described Arch- bishop Laud's own weakness, which cost him his head, as little more than a 'hasty, sharp way of expressing himself.

The current campaign against Mr Mellor is enjoyable and edifying. That such arro- gance provokes such resistance is a valuable moral lesson for a healthy political culture.

John S. Moore

35B Mitchison Road, London NI